October 1653: An Act Touching Idiots and Lunatiques.

October, 1653

[13 October, 1653.]

Whereas the persons of Idiots and Lunaticks have received much damage, and their Estates been much wasted, spoiled and imbeziled, since the Four and twentieth day of February, One thousand six hundred forty and five (on which day, the Court of Wards and Liveries, which had the care and protection of such persons, was Voted down) occasioned by the not setling of a way since the dissolution of the said Court, for passing the Bills (formerly Signed by the late King and his Predecessors) for the Custodies and Tuitions of the said persons, and the preservation of their respective Estates; Which Bills were to be Signed as aforesaid, before the said Custodies passed the Great Seal.

For remedy of which Grievances, and for prevention of all others in that kinde for the future, Be it Enacted, and it is hereby Enacted by Authority of Parliament, That the said Bills for the passing of the Custodies of the persons aforesaid, under the Great Seal, shall be first Signed by the Councel of State for the time being: And the said Bills being so Signed, shall be sufficient Warrant to the Committee or Commissioners for the Custody of the Great Seal for the time being, to pass the same under the said Seal accordingly.

And be it further Enacted by Authority aforesaid, That the said Committee or Commissioners for the custody of the said Seal, shall in all cases give relief in Law and Equity to the said Idiots and Lunatiques, as fully and amply as any Commissioners or Keepers of the Great Seal, or the late Master and Councel of the late Court of Wards and Liveries, might or ought to have lawfully done at any time before the passing of this Act, Any Law, Statute or Act to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding.

Provided, That this Act do continue in force until the First day of September, One thousand six hundred fifty and four, and no longer.